USCA Rules & Eligibility

Curling with the Stick

The "stick" was introduced to allow curlers to deliver the rock without using a sliding delivery. The stick is a term used to identify any device that extends from the curler's hand to the rock while delivering. Sound curling delivery with the stick requires correct aim and weight just like the sliding delivery.

Rules

• Right-handed players shall play from the hack on the left of the center line, and left-handed players from the hack on the right of the center line.
• In the delivery of the stone, the stone shall be clearly released from the stick before the stone reaches the nearer hog line.
• Players may use the stick to release the stone in any competition not leading the World Championships or the Olympics.

Alignment

Alignment refers to how you set up in the hack. Think of the stick as an extension of your arm and deliver the stone with a straight release like the sliding delivery.

• Place foot in hack with shoulders square to the skip's broom. Using the broom in opposite hand for balance is a personal preference; some find it unnecessary.
• Extend the stick straight out from body with arm slightly bent or relaxed.

Delivery

The delivery is the walk from the hack to your release point. As in sliding, how fast you walk and the number of steps you take is an individual choice; however, the rock must be released before crossing the nearer hog line. You usually take an odd number of steps (5, 7, 9, etc.), stepping off with your left foot if you are a right-handed curler.

The shot called will determine the speed of your walk. For a draw shot you will walk slower with your body more upright. A takeout requires you to walk faster with your body leaning slightly forward to allow for more thrust when releasing the stone. Your momentum then allows for a smooth release.

As in the slide delivery, the key is a smooth delivery/walk to your release point. With a little practice you will soon learn the optimum speed for your shots.

Release

The rock is released during the last few feet of the delivery. Until that time your throwing arm remains slightly bent with the stick in the 2 o'clock or 10 o'clock position.

Weight Control

Weight control is the key to mastering the use of the stick. Many stick users will say that it is easier to hit the skip's broom using the stick than finding the correct weight, especially draw weights.

Tips:

• Move with a continuous fluid forward motion with a smooth release.
• Avoid coming to an abrupt stop and pushing your rock when releasing.
• Avoid walking to slowly on a takeout. The tendency is then to give the rock an extra push when releasing, thus missing the broom.